Riverine Plains Blog

Key messages:

• dry sowing can help farmers manage production risk and spread the labour load
• when dry-sowing, ensure depth of seed placement is correct
• avoid dry sowing into paddocks with high weed seedbanks and ensure separation of seed and pre-emergent herbicides

 Key Messages

• weed herbicide resistance levels are continuing to increase across the Riverine Plains region
• it’s important to monitor resistance, especially to post-emergent chemicals and glyphosate
• weed seeds can be collected from problem paddocks for resistance testing
• adopting an integrated weed management strategy, or methods from ‘The Big 6’, will ensure farmers stay on top of weed control issues

Key messages:

• Four consecutive good seasons, along with stubble retention and tight cereal rotations have favoured a build-up of Fusarium crown rot in the Riverine Plains region
• High levels of Fusarium crown rot can cause significant yield loss, so assess the risk now by sampling last years’ cereal stubble or by using Predicta®B DNA soil testing
• Integrated management options will reduce the risk of yield loss from Fusarium crown rot and other root diseases

Key Messages

• stored soil moisture can be important for establishment and yield in dry seasons
• stubble management technique can impact plant available water
• managing high stubble loads begins at harvest and helps prevent issues at sowing
  

This week’s blog has been contributed by Riverine Plains Premier Partner, IK Caldwell AGnVET

Key messages

• yield data and mapping can help grain growers understand factors driving profitability
• accurate, ‘clean’ yield data is essential for making good decisions post-harvest
• being prepared before harvest is critical to collecting more accurate yield data